The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has urged election volunteers in the Eastern Province to adhere to the set election guidelines. NEC made the call while meeting over 190 volunteers meant to supervise the forth-coming referendum in Eastern Province, on Wednesday. “It is necessary that we provide sufficient and relevant information about various activities to be conducted by these volunteers,” the NEC coordinator in the area, Frank Rwigamba Kayiranga said. “We are not leaving any stone unturned, to make ourselves ready for smooth, clean and calm referendum… the importance of respecting the election rules and regulations cannot be overemphasised,” he said. Kayiranga said NEC would avail sufficient election materials on time to avoid unnecessary inconveniences. He further appealed to the volunteers to show commitment while on duty. Cherie Genifa, one of the volunteers from Nyagatare District, said they were ready to oversee the electoral process. ‘We are ready and motivated as usual; besides the elections were long overdue…the population is more than willing to participate. The referendum was people’s request… ,” he said. Bidibura Senzinge, a volunteer from Kayonza District, said communities were eagerly waiting for the D-Day. “I have worked as an election volunteer for more than 10 years, but this time I can see that people are more ready to vote. The electorate is already mobilised. So, in such a situation managing polling stations will be simple,” he said. There are an estimated 1.5 million voters in Eastern Province, who will vote from 561 electoral sites. Voting for Rwandans in the Diaspora will be conducted on December 17, while those in the country will cast their votes the following day. At least 68,000 election volunteers are expected to assist the commission in the referendum countrywide. Kayiranga also briefed the volunteers on the upcoming local leaders’ elections due early 2016 to be held from village to district levels. Apart from local councilors who can be elected as many times as possible, local leaders are eligible for a maximum of two five year terms. Elections for local leaders are slated for February to March 2016. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
